We’re in the midst of two weeks of academic milestones for many – as 1,500 students are celebrating their hard-earned, well-deserved postgraduate degrees – but for this family, who most of you will recognise instantly, it’s double the congratulations, double the joy, and double the success.
Renowned media director Pierre Portelli, and his daughter Katrina are both graduating this March, and they’re both glowing with pride as they celebrate together in tassels.
In his 50s, Pierre graduated with a Distinction, with a Master of Art in Media & Communications, whereas Katrina attained a Masters in Advocacy.
“I thought I knew my industry until I challenged myself to find out how the world has changed since attaining my BA 25 years ago”, Pierre said in a recent social media post.
In a more humorous take on things, Pierre admitted to having the more chaotic workspace out of the two, for studying.
When it comes to relatable university moments, something which all students have experienced whether they like to admit it or not, for Katrina, it has to be her loud sneezing, however for Pierre, it was a pre-exam episode of let’s-go-around-and-introduce-ourselves gone wrong.
But in these special moments, the overall feeling of pride can’t but take over all other emotions.“I saw Katrina struggle like everyone else, also her journey into the working world, first doing her internship and now working full-time - and I've witnessed how seriously she takes on her tasks, and that fills us, myself and her mother, with such pride” - Pierre
Both have credited their lovely family (mother Diane, siblings Hannah and Zac) for their unwavering support throughout this shared journey, as they joined them in this family triumph.
“There are moments in which you will struggle, others where you feel you’re not managing, but the overall message is to be committed, always keep going. As long as you persist, it will always turn out ok in the end” - Katrina
Our renewed congrats to Pierre, Katrina and all the students graduating! 🎓🎉
